[Eponine glares and then let’s go of the glass in her hand. If it’s glass, it’ll surely shatter. Luckily for Kosem, Eponine hadn’t quite got round to pouring the wine yet. She stomps back to the corner and sits down grumpily.]
[The glass stays on the floor, showing that act of defiance doesn't get glance, not even a flinch. Anything Eponine did or said, she didn't see or hear. She was a shadow in this flat.
Another hour, leaving her to sit in the corner without acknowledgement.]
[In the end, Eponine sits hunched in the corner. Her knees are drawn up to her chest and her head is bent, pressing into her knees. She doesn’t look up, doesn’t fidget, doesn’t react.
[When Eponine looks up, her expression is glassy. Silently, she bends to pick up the glass, sucking her finger when it cuts her. She doesn’t complain. She just does as she’s told. She doesn’t reach for any food but just stands quietly, hands twisting and her gaze firmly on the floor. ]
[The pose is penitent, what she was looking for. She had dealt so long with Osman, aggression, threats and cold rage had been her natural response. That wasn't needed with Eponine. Now she understood better and the next time would be easier.
She saw to the cut, dabbing her finger with a wet cloth before putting a band-aid on it (apparently these were something to use.)]
[She made her plate all the same, picking the fruit and cheese she knew Eponine liked best.]
A wish many of us have.
[She looked at Eponine in disappointment, at the very least acknowledging her.]
When you behave badly, this is what you can expect. I will not tolerate or give my attention to someone who disappoints me. This was your first offense, you've had your punishment, now the night will be easier and warmer.
Starting with this: [She presented her the plate, lovingly prepared.] If you eat everything, you may have chocolate as well. Come sit by me and I'll brush your hair.
You threatened the police on me. That ain't nice. And you didn't even care to hear what was said to me. The spit was justified.I don't want your cheese nor your wine. I don't like being ignored and all afternoon you do it. You make me feel like a mouse.
It doesn't matter what she said, there is no excuse to spit on someone who insults you. I know you said you wanted to be like a lady and be accepted more by others. Spitting on someone is not the way to do that.
Especially not here. You're a submissive who's already insulted all the Dominants in this city. Now it will get around that you're spitting on them, regardless of the reason, which will lead to more severe punishments in the future. Prison isn't what I'd give you, it's what the city will give you.
[She shrugged her shoulders, fully prepared to return to her day.]
You hate that I ignored you today? Why should I give my attention to someone who is looking to only bring trouble and is bent on being punished again and again by the city? Why should I put myself in that danger?
If you do these things and react to every perceived insult, you won't find understanding or attention here.
Then what? Poison in her wine so she vomits and shits everywhere? Not to kill her but so everyone laughs? We could do that?
[Eponine's dull eyes sparkle and she claps her hands together as she imagines Kate and all of the other stuck up misses not being able to control their bowels.]
You're right. That is a better idea than spitting.
[Her smile turns to a frown.] I hate being a submissive. It's not fair. Always to be told what to do and told off and punished for speaking. There are lots that I prefer to Paris but this is not one of them. I dislike they have eyes and ears everywhere. In Paris, it were more free. I like that.
[Eponine's frown deepens.]
I didn't ask you to be my dominant. You asked me, Ma'am. I said yes for Mr Greyson, not you. I didn't ask you, and I didn't ask for you to be in danger.You shouldn't have chosen me. I am just trouble. You should have chosen someone nice, like Miss Blair. Or Ella. She's pretty. She would have been good for you, not a brat like your Eponine.
No, not that. I mean you endure it and don't rise to the provocation. The more you respond to perceived insults, the more you embody what they already think of you.
[She's reaching her limit for the day.]
Why do you need to laugh at them? Why do you even need to give them attention? You can be above them without paying any mind to them.
I know you didn't ask me.
I remember as well that you preferred Grayson for your contract. How does he feel about this trouble you cause? Does he wish to expose himself to that danger?
Because! Because I want to be like them! Don't you see? I thought, when I was in France...
[She pauses and draws in a breath.] There were a boy in the room next to my family's. Marius, he were called. Marius Pontmercy. He played at being poor but one sniff to know he has money, and such learned friends. And him too, clever. He liked to read, you know? I watched him, ages ages, but when it came to, he chooses Cosette. Me, I am just the beggar girl. Why would he look at me for marriage? Whoring but not to love. He never saw me.
[Eponine smiles wistfully.] I dreamed of a new dress and a bit of fat, and fat enough for my breasts to plump up. I thought with my hair done, I would be pretty. I thought I could fit in... but they'll never let me in among them. I just - I wish I were pretty and good and mild and meek and that. But no. I am ugly, horrid, rotten. I am a ghost. I just want to be a part, you know? But they'll never let me. I will always be alone.
If you behave ugly and rotten, you will be perceived that way.
[It was as harsh as she'd be in this city, but she had reached her limit of simple understanding.]
If you want to be like them and be accepted by them, then you need to learn how to tolerate their insults and disinterest. You have to learn to be less impulsive, less rash and less angry. I have said I'm willing to educate you. Grayson is willing to teach you to maneuver these situations better.
All of it comes down to you. You have to be willing to learn and not see it as an insult.
You are telling me that I should be willing to stand and let her call me a donkey's arse and smile and laugh like it is a big joke? Madame, in my time, I am whore, cunt, bitch, brat, slut, a shitstain on a mattress. I laugh and I laugh at the names and they get worse. I'm a bit fed up being nice and kind and good. Maybe I don't care. Maybe I don't care about any of you toffs.
[She pushes away from Kosem and makes for the door.] Maybe you can have my leftovers. Mr Greyson might prefer to stick his dick in a queen's pussy than a rat's anyway. I am fed up being a performing fox for you all. I am going where my people are, and I wouldn't bother following, Ma'am, for a toff like you? They'll slit your neck as soon as you look at them. Goodbye.
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no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 09:55 am (UTC)Sit in the corner.
[The book was clearly fascinating. Why else was she not looking at Eponine or paying attention to her?]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 10:14 am (UTC)She stomps back to the corner and sits down grumpily.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 10:34 am (UTC)Another hour, leaving her to sit in the corner without acknowledgement.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 10:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 11:09 am (UTC)You may get up now. Have some supper, but first clean up the glass.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 11:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 12:42 pm (UTC)She saw to the cut, dabbing her finger with a wet cloth before putting a band-aid on it (apparently these were something to use.)]
Come on. I'll get you some fruit and cheese.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-06 12:46 pm (UTC)[She’s quiet, subdued.]
I want to go home.
[Eponine hates being ignored. She’d take a beating, smacks, insults, punches over being ignored any day.]
I feel like a ghost. I want to go home.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 03:30 am (UTC)A wish many of us have.
[She looked at Eponine in disappointment, at the very least acknowledging her.]
When you behave badly, this is what you can expect. I will not tolerate or give my attention to someone who disappoints me. This was your first offense, you've had your punishment, now the night will be easier and warmer.
Starting with this: [She presented her the plate, lovingly prepared.] If you eat everything, you may have chocolate as well. Come sit by me and I'll brush your hair.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 04:55 am (UTC)[She shakes her head stubbornly.]
I don’t want it. I told you. My tummy feels all peculiar.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 05:41 am (UTC)[She's a bit concerned now, brushing back Eponine's hair to feel her forehead. Full mother mode activated.]
Sip a bit of wine and sit with me. You will feel better soon.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 06:49 pm (UTC)[Eponine scowls once more.]
You threatened the police on me. That ain't nice. And you didn't even care to hear what was said to me. The spit was justified.I don't want your cheese nor your wine. I don't like being ignored and all afternoon you do it. You make me feel like a mouse.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 09:34 pm (UTC)Especially not here. You're a submissive who's already insulted all the Dominants in this city. Now it will get around that you're spitting on them, regardless of the reason, which will lead to more severe punishments in the future. Prison isn't what I'd give you, it's what the city will give you.
[She shrugged her shoulders, fully prepared to return to her day.]
You hate that I ignored you today? Why should I give my attention to someone who is looking to only bring trouble and is bent on being punished again and again by the city? Why should I put myself in that danger?
If you do these things and react to every perceived insult, you won't find understanding or attention here.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 10:02 pm (UTC)[Eponine's dull eyes sparkle and she claps her hands together as she imagines Kate and all of the other stuck up misses not being able to control their bowels.]
You're right. That is a better idea than spitting.
[Her smile turns to a frown.] I hate being a submissive. It's not fair. Always to be told what to do and told off and punished for speaking. There are lots that I prefer to Paris but this is not one of them. I dislike they have eyes and ears everywhere. In Paris, it were more free. I like that.
[Eponine's frown deepens.]
I didn't ask you to be my dominant. You asked me, Ma'am. I said yes for Mr Greyson, not you. I didn't ask you, and I didn't ask for you to be in danger.You shouldn't have chosen me. I am just trouble. You should have chosen someone nice, like Miss Blair. Or Ella. She's pretty. She would have been good for you, not a brat like your Eponine.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 10:19 pm (UTC)[She's reaching her limit for the day.]
Why do you need to laugh at them? Why do you even need to give them attention? You can be above them without paying any mind to them.
I know you didn't ask me.
I remember as well that you preferred Grayson for your contract. How does he feel about this trouble you cause? Does he wish to expose himself to that danger?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 10:29 pm (UTC)[She pauses and draws in a breath.] There were a boy in the room next to my family's. Marius, he were called. Marius Pontmercy. He played at being poor but one sniff to know he has money, and such learned friends. And him too, clever. He liked to read, you know? I watched him, ages ages, but when it came to, he chooses Cosette. Me, I am just the beggar girl. Why would he look at me for marriage? Whoring but not to love. He never saw me.
[Eponine smiles wistfully.] I dreamed of a new dress and a bit of fat, and fat enough for my breasts to plump up. I thought with my hair done, I would be pretty. I thought I could fit in... but they'll never let me in among them. I just - I wish I were pretty and good and mild and meek and that. But no. I am ugly, horrid, rotten. I am a ghost. I just want to be a part, you know? But they'll never let me. I will always be alone.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-07 10:34 pm (UTC)[It was as harsh as she'd be in this city, but she had reached her limit of simple understanding.]
If you want to be like them and be accepted by them, then you need to learn how to tolerate their insults and disinterest. You have to learn to be less impulsive, less rash and less angry. I have said I'm willing to educate you. Grayson is willing to teach you to maneuver these situations better.
All of it comes down to you. You have to be willing to learn and not see it as an insult.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-08 05:59 am (UTC)[She pushes away from Kosem and makes for the door.] Maybe you can have my leftovers. Mr Greyson might prefer to stick his dick in a queen's pussy than a rat's anyway. I am fed up being a performing fox for you all. I am going where my people are, and I wouldn't bother following, Ma'am, for a toff like you? They'll slit your neck as soon as you look at them. Goodbye.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-08 06:14 am (UTC)[She just sighs at Eponine's words and turns away, going back to the couch.
As Eponine said goodbye, Kosem would simply ignore her.]